PsA is a chronic, progressive and irreversible disease leading to pain, fatigue, activity impairment and significant mobility loss due to structural damage[5]

Basel, October 26, 2018 - Novartis, a leader in immuno-dermatology and rheumatology, announced today that the European Commission (EC) has approved a label update for Cosentyx® (secukinumab). Cosentyx is the first and only fully-human treatment that specifically inhibits interleukin-17A (IL-17A), in psoriatic arthritis (PsA)[1]. The new label update includes dosing flexibility of up to 300 mg based on clinical response that will provide clinicians with greater choice for their patients[1].

The label update also includes 24-week structural data with subcutaneous (sc) regimens demonstrating that Cosentyx inhibits progression of joint damage in PsA[1].

"Cosentyx has shown that it can slow the progression of joint damage inflicted by psoriatic arthritis, which can lead to significant mobility loss for patients," said Paul EmeryProfessor of Rheumatology, Arthritis Research UK and Director Leeds NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. "The label update allows dosing flexibility up to 300 mg, giving clinicians and patients greater choice in how to target this progressive and debilitating condition, based on individual response to treatment."

This label update is significant as PsA can lead to significant mobility loss and irreversible joint damage if sub-optimally-treated[5]. PsA is a chronic, progressive and irreversible disease leading to pain, fatigue, as well as activity impairment and significant mobility loss due to structural damage[5].

The label update is based on Cosentyx sustained efficacy and consistent safety following up-titration to 300 mg in PsA. Cosentyx specifically inhibits IL-17A - a cornerstone cytokine involved in the development of spondyloarthritis and psoriatic disease[1],[6]-[8]. The 24-week structural disease progression data are from FUTURE 5, the largest Phase III study for a biologic conducted in PsA to date (996 patients)[2]. In this study, almost 90% of patients treated with Cosentyx 300 mg had no radiographic disease progression at 24 weeks[2].

"Cosentyx is the only IL-17A inhibitor to demonstrate 5-year safety and efficacy in Phase III studies of PsA and AS. We are reimagining the well-being of patients living with all facets of psoriatic arthritis," said Eric Hughes, Global Development Unit Head, Immunology, Hepatology and Dermatology. "This label update further supports prescribing doctors and patients in their treatment choice."

The label update is applicable to all European Union and European Economic Area countries and is effective immediately. To date, Cosentyx has been prescribed to more than 160,000 patients worldwide[9].

About Cosentyx Cosentyx is the first and only fully-human biologic that specifically inhibits interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cornerstone cytokine involved in the inflammation and development of psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and PsA[1],[6]-[8]. IL-17A is produced by various cells from both the innate immune system (which can be triggered by mechanical stress) and the adaptive immune system[3]. To date, Cosentyx has been prescribed to more than 160,000 patients worldwide[9] and is being evaluated in 100 studies, including a comprehensive head-to-head clinical trial program[10]-[16].

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